Sunday, November 28, 2010

We have to Be INTENTIONAL about our relationship with God and take every opportunity pursue and get to know Him.

That foundation that we build getting to know Him because He first KNEW us, will be crucial to the future and the challenges and situations we face and how we respond to them--whether it is today or ten years from now.

Being INTENTIONAL about our relationship with God also is a way that others see His reflection in us-----because as we are intentional about Him, we are intentional about how we act and respond to others.

What is our greatest desire in life?

Hopefully it truly is to KNOW HIM and MAKE HIM KNOWN---and I don't say that in cliche because I know that the phrase gets used a lot in believing circles as a ministry statement or whatever.

How can I be intentional about getting to KNOW GOD better today?

How can I be intentional about how I reflect Him to the World around me?

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Or are we caught up in our dreams, our desires, and having life "as We want it?"

The only way that life is going to be really fulfilling is to be caught up in God's story, will, and plans--even when they don't make sense to us.

Being caught up in God's eternal plans means being a tiny part of something that is os much bigger than our minds can imagine and that lasts forever--with a perfect-all knowing author--the one and Only living Holy God-----in charge.

He already IS in control---the question is---do we truly want him to be in control or would we rather just be "in control" ourselves?`

You know something? I've been getting lots of awful comments from men "out in the world" lately

I think it is a fairly common occurrence and obviously not all men treat women like objects, and I am NOT trying to imply that in any way, but I just have something to say.

"Women are not simply objects for men's thoughts of gratification--we object to being treated as such. We are created in the image of God as SUITABLE HELPMATES----and having a role as a man as the head does not mean that we should be degraded in ways that are really inappropriate. We just think it is really sad that so many men out there view us simply as a means to their end and nothing more. Men that view women that way are really missing the real point."

I know I can't expect the unsaved world to act like believers----but lately I guess it has just been challenging out there.

A year ago, due to the eating issues and the struggle that I faced, I distinctly remember that I could not taste a single thing when I had Thanksgiving dinner at my missions agency headquarters. This year I am DEFINITELY able to taste that celebration meal! This is definitely a blessing among so so many! This time of year has been quite a celebration for me--as I've remembered, but not dwelt on, where I was Last year Spiritually and emotionally and as I know NOW that God has brought me to Himself and healed my life in so many ways! Life is an incredible gift to me!

Count Your blessings

Written by Johnson Oatman, Jr., published in 1897 Copyright: Public Domain

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

1. When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Chorus

Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your blessings, see what God hath done! Count your blessings, name them one by one, *Count your many blessings, see what God hath done. [*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]

2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly, And you will keep singing as the days go by.

3. When you look at others with their lands and gold, Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold; Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

4. So, amid the conflict whether great or small, Do not be discouraged, God is over all; Count your many blessings, angels will attend, Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

As I have already said--my blessings are so many---I could never be able to count them all!

Thanksgiving is not just a day out of the year--it is an attitude of gratitude that should flow from our hearts all year long for who God is and what He has done, and the privilege we have of being used in His plans and purposes!

WHAT CAN I SAY?? MY HEART IS OVERFLOWING WITH THANKFULNESS!! AND IT IS ALL BECAUSE OF JESUS AND GOD'S MERCY IN MY LIFE-----WITHOUT HIM----I WOULD BE IN A VERY DARK, HOPELESS AND DESPERATE PLACE.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Right now I am at my friend Kember's house to spend Thanksgiving together. We are going shopping today for things and then eating lunch at her parent's place.

I found it interesting that on my bus ride up no "inappropriate language" is allowed. Actually this is a good thing--I am thankful for the rule.

But the wierd part was that putting in a quite vulgar movie was totally acceptable---and there weren't even headphones so we all had to hear the audio.

I don't watch T.V. really at this point in my life and am selective on the movies I watch, so just over-hearing it all caused a battle with the impure thoughts.

It was NOT good.

We always talk about our men having issues with their thought-life, but really if we are all honest, we all have issues male or female to some extent. Some of my friends and I have discussed this topic lately. Maybe the nature of the struggle varies some according to our age, spiritual maturity in dealing with it, or the points and situations in life that we are at.

So I came back to one of my favorite verses as I prayed, "May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

My mentor and I had a great talk today. She pointed out to me something in the Word that God had shown her over the past few days. I thought it was really near!

We know that when we lack wisdom God tells us to ask for it and He will give it to us. James 1:5 tells us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

Often we think of wisdom as gaining understanding or knowledge that we lack. But here are a few verses that describe more of what wisdom is!

James 3:17-18 "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness."

Wisdom is PURE, PEACE-LOVING, CONSIDERATE, FULL OF MERCY AND GOOD FRUIT, IMPARTIAL, AND SINCERE.

We can have an "attitude of Wisdom" as we seek to obey the Holy Spirit and approach situations in life on a daily basis.

Aren't those two verses an AWESOME WAY TO LIVE???

THAT IS THE WAY THAT GOD INTENDS US TO LIVE--AS WISE CHILDREN OF HIS----REAPING A HARVEST OF RIGHTEOUSNESS!!!!!

Thank you, Deane, for sharing what God taught you--I was and am indeed so blessed by you!

Sometimes when we are really hurting---be that physically or emotionally, all that we can think about is the pain that we are in.

It is sort of like when you are walking with a pebble in your shoe and every time that you walk, you feel the pain-----and sometimes that is all that you can think about. However, when the pebble gets removed, you can begin thinking about other things---like the world around you and what they are facing.

It is the same way when we are hurting--sometimes our own pain can make it difficult for us to give out to others and focus on them. But when God heals us and does His Work in our lives, we are able to be a reflection of His Light to the world.....

So sometimes maybe we need to check and see if there is a pebble in our shoe----whether that be literal or symbolic of something else going on under the surface.

To be emotionally healthy, having an understanding of what is truly going on inside us, seeing our identity in Christ and seeking to understand things from God's perspective, and dealing with what is going on by acknowledging it honestly are great steps to take.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Hebrews 10:19-25 "Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Since those of us who have trusted in Christ, there are three things that we are instructed to do.

1) We are to draw near to God with Confidence with a sincere heart in full assurance of our faith

2) Hold Unswervingly to the hope we profess--our hope is CHRIST and what HE has done for us! This is a HOPE that is sure, unchanging, and definite!

3) Consider how to spur (encourage) one another on to good deeds----essentially partially doing this by staying connected to one another in the body of Christ---(It is hard to spur one another on if we aren't regularly being together)

Our good deeds are NOT by any means a "way to obtain salvation"--THAT only happens through TRUSTING in CHRIST ALONE. But rather EVERYTHING THAT WE Do is a reflection of what Christ has done in us---an outpouring of our love and gratitude to Him---and a desire to have those around us KNOW him in the same way.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

As I was out and about this afternoon, I was reminded again of the great privilege that I have been given of being set free by the Son of Love--Jesus. And as I saw so many interacting around me with one another, I was reminded of the great need for so many to yet come to that place where the Lord works in their lives to draw them to a knowledge of the truth and they give Him their trust.

Let's keep praying for those that don't know Jesus around us and use every opportunity to share Him in love and in truth.

So I seriously had the most awesome morning ever! Let me tell you why!

I went and grabbed a little breakfast---just for something different---on my way down to the medical clinic to volunteer this morning.

I was almost ready to leave when one of the women without a residence that I know walked right in the door of the establishment I was eating at!!!!!

Awesome! I haven't seen her for over three months! We both recognized each other. She came and sat at my table.

She finally let me buy her a cup of hot water for tea so she could warm up.

We must have talked for over half an hour! It was great! She invited me to go to a Bible study on John with her Monday morning. I really want to go to check it out with her and make sure she is getting biblically solid teaching.

I also got the privilege of putting a little more money on her gift card to where we were eating---so she can have a few meals over the next few days.

And while I was in line waiting to put the money on her gift card, I got to share the gospel and my testimony with a guy that knows her.

Awesome! I needed an opportunity like that! I get wierd when I haven't directly been able to share the gospel with someone for a few days-----it's true!

I am so excited that God brought her back across my path---we are hoping to meet (her and I that is) on Monday morning again before I leave town for Thanksgiving!

I love this ministry to those without a residence.......such a strategic place where God has placed me right now-------and I am really going to miss it!!!!

Why do I do all of this?? Answer: Because I love Jesus and I belong to Him---and I want to share His perfect love with the world!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Hi Everyone,CONDEMNATION tends to make us want to be far away from God. Those who have not given Jesus their trust are in this category.

John 3:18 "Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son."

But God longs to bring all men to the place where they have a knowledge of the truth--His truth and what Jesus has done by taking our punishment for sin upon Himself, dying in our place, and rising from the dead three days later.

CONVICTION tends to draws us closer to God--It is the process that the Holy Spirit uses to show us our sin so that we can confess it to God and be walking more closely with Him as a result.

And there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)

I just can't believe it's been six months with this whole personal relationship with God--I am still having an absolute blast! I am hoping to get some more devotionals put on my blog soon-I've just been busy doing a lot of helping at the Medical Clinic this week and things. I've had a little less time to post than usual. I will write again soon!

Blessings to you all! Keep seeking after Him!

Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Thursday, November 18, 2010

In our walk with God we have to be sure that we are not simply just going through the motions with no reality connected to our relationship with God. Obviously there are days where it may seem like that is what we do, and really this is something that is just between each of us as individuals and God--because only God and you know the status of your heart.

But this is just something I have been thinking about lately....we don't simply just want to give Jesus Christ "lip service" and then live a totally different lifestyle that does not reflect what we say.

Here is the chorus to a song I heard the other day--I thought it was neat and challenged me.

"The Motions"--chorusby Matthew West

"I don't wanna go through the motionsI don't wanna go one more dayWithout Your all-consuming passion inside of me.I don't wanna spend my whole life askingWhat if I had given everythingInstead of going through the motions."

Hebrews 4:13-13 "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

Lord, help us-We do NOT just want to "go through the motions" with You!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

"Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?"

Essentially the cost of following after Jesus is EVERYTHING----but when He gave everything for us, why should it NOT be that way?

Will we allow HIS WILL and HIS PLAN and HIS WAYS to become our own? We are but vessels that He chooses to display His glory through.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

1 Corinthians 1:4-9"I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge—God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."

I guess when I read them-one word comes to my mind-security----security in the Lord

Because1) We are enriched in every way2) We don't lack the spiritual gifts that God has for us to use3) He will keep us firm to the end4) He is faithful5) HE has called us into Fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Look at how the passage started 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 "Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ"

Yep! Obviously Paul's letter was for the church in Corinth and for their specific areas of concern that He saw that they were dealing with, but his words are also meant for us as well.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Sometimes I feel sad when I hear the way that believers sometimes talk about unsaved people......we really have to remember that they are deceived and prisoners held captive. When we start viewing them as anything different, it creates distortion in how we perceive them.

Look at how Jesus responded upon seeing the lost Matthew 9:36 "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."

Do we have that same compassion for the lost? In our immediate response we may say, "yes," but maybe it is something we all need to think about a little bit more and evaluate in our hearts....myself included.

Lord, give us YOUR compassion for those that don't know you. We don't excuse their sin any more than we would excuse our own, but we know that YOU love them, even those that are deceived into such deep false beliefs---and that YOU desire to draw them to a knowledge of the truth.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Today at my home church we had an outreach called the Holiday Speacialtea. This is an event where women in the church invite their friends that aren't believers. There s a delicious meal and hear a presentation of the gospel by one of the women from our church who shares her testimony.

Well, there is a certain woman that I have thought of for years--actually my last memory of her was when something happened and I got profoundly hurt in second grade. But I've thought about her a lot and always wondered what happened to her.

Well, I went out to check on water and punch for the guests and she recognized me. So we talked for a little bit.

And then I had to go back to my work area in the back and just spend some time in prayer because I wanted to be sure I wasn't holding onto any bitterness about what had happened back then and just wanted the Lord to know that I forgave her for something that she probably doesn't even remember.

And after I prayed, it was so cool because I went out and talked to her again...I wanted to be sure we left each other really well.

It was such a privilege that she came to our church and was there. And I can't help but think about how much God loves her and wants her to be in a personal relationship with Him.......

Friday, November 12, 2010

I had a really awesome opportunity tonight to worship with a few Spanish-speaking brothers and sisters in Christ! It's been awhile since I have had an opportunity to do anything like that---and I had this realization of how much I miss that!

Another cool thing is that there is a lady that is Spanish speaking that is interested in running her errands with me and just "hanging out" which would give me some MUCH NEEDED Spanish practice---It will be fun to meet her. I am hoping to get something set up with her this week before I leave town for my various small trips between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

God is definitely preparing me to head back to Mexico....so THAT is pretty exciting!

Psalm 33:20-22 "We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, LORD, even as we put our hope in you."

These verses are amazing! we must wait in HOPE for Him---He IS our hope!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

May our lives be a continual act of praise to the Lord in everything that we do, think, say, and reflect to the world

Hebrews 13:15-16 "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."

Praise goes beyond the music---it is the result of living a life of gratitude to the Lord.

Having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is more like falling in love than a mere assent to a bunch of facts----and I haven't gotten tired of it or lost the awe and wonder yet.

Giving Jesus Christ Your trust is the key to having an intimate relationship unlike anything You've ever known---a relationship of the deepest purity, integrity, and is an invitation to knowing the Lord over all with an intimacy that words can't quite describe.

NOTHING ELSE MATCHES IT.

And it isn't just simply that You love Him, but the miracle of it all is that HE loved YOU first.

Lord, may we fall more in love with YOU today----and may nothing be allowed to take that place of YOU!!

It has been a little bit of a challenging day for me. In the midst of talking with God, dealing with some disappointments, celebrating joyous news with a quiet unspoken grief mixed in, it occurs to me again the thought that I see one side of things----I see God's plan being carried out in my life every day---and 99% of all days that is an extremely deeply joyous, deep, elating experience-----walking with God on the journey.

But I struggle when there are those occasional moments where I forget that I just see a portion of this great plan that God has in store--I only see it as I live it out in my perspective-------and that HE SEES THE WHOLE PICTURE---beginning to end--and sees and knows the perfect reasons as to why--my "life" isn't the more "Typical type" let's say. And that even though I would NEVER change or "trade in" what He is allowing me to have and blessing me to experience in truth and in Him, I have to remind myself that HE KNOWS TRULY WHAT IS BEST--even when it comes to deep unspoken desires of the heart------He knows----HE KNOWS THE WAY, THE PLACES, THE EVENTS, THE PERFECT TIMING-----and I can trust Him for that.

It all reminds me of a little poem--that explains it like this:

The Weaver

by Benjamine Malachi Franklin

My Life is but a weavingbetween my Lord and me;I cannot choose the colorsHe worketh steadily.

Oft times He weaveth sorrowAnd I, in foolish pride,Forget He sees the upper,And I the under side.

Not til the loom is silentAnd the shuttles cease to fly,Shall God unroll the canvasAnd explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needfulIn the Weaver's skillful hand,As the threads of gold and silverIn the pattern He has planned.

He knows, He loves, He cares,Nothing this truth can dim.He gives His very best to thoseWho leave the choice with Him.

As the Prophet Isaiah put it this way: "You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it,“You did not make me”? Can the pot say to the potter, “You know nothing”?" Isaiah 29:16

Our desired response should be: "Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." Isaiah 64:8

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

God works in amazing ways! I just spent the day working at the Medical clinic on a big project. And all day long it was like God kept bringing me back to the joy of this chapter of my life--I kept reminiscing and thinking, "I am going to miss working with these people and seeing the clinic grow and expand it the new location." And as I walked out of the doors at the House of Hope, I thought, "I LOVE THIS PLACE--the real sense of community it provides, How God works here, and the joy and freedom of sharing my life with such dear sisters in Christ---about just about anything---literally. And then I started thinking about my church family and I thought, "Well, how do I spend time with all of these different people in the next months?? I know I won't be able to get together with everyone--unfortunately it is just how it is." I love this chapter of my life...oh how I have loved it!

BUT I know things were never meant to stay the same.......and for the last months since God found me-----MEXICO has been constantly in my thoughts, and my heart has ached to be back with my team----now that I know that "I am more than okay in God's eyes" and I don't need my team to give me the approval and acceptance that only God can give. I can have the joy of knowing that I am NOT what I do---and work alongside them---simply being what God has called me to be----and that is MORE THAN ENOUGH! I know that serving Him has nothing to do with location---I love serving God in my home state---and I love serving God in Mexico---or anywhere else!

Monday, November 8, 2010

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead. By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith. By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore. All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them."

FAITH---TRUST IN WHAT GOD HAD SAID AS BEING ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN-----EVEN WITHOUT SEEING THE RESULTS. What an example so many faithful people have left behind them of an unwavering trust in the Lord! Where there is tribulation, persecution, or even if things are really going well, we must do the same--TRUST IN HIM and live lives that show the evidence of our trust. When You KNOW that CHRIST truly is BETTER than anything else in the world, that His all sufficient sacrifice on the cross took away YOUR sin, and YOU trust in Him, everything changes. We have an amazing privilege that so many in the Old Testament did not have-----we see more of the complete picture of what God was doing. How much more then, should we live from that heart of trust?

Romans 1:17 "For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Sunday, November 7, 2010

I absolutely love Psalm 34--my mentor read it to me a few days ago when I was waiting to go in to get prepped for the small surgery--check it out!

Psalm 34:1-22 Of David. When he pretended to be insane before Abimelek, who drove him away, and he left.

I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.I will glory in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.Fear the LORD, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days,keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry;but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth.The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.The LORD will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.

There is a lot of really good stuff in here to think about! Lord, may we extol YOU at all times today with Your praise continually on our lips. Thank you that You deliver us and protect us and that those who take refuge IN YOU will never be condemned. TRULY YOU ALONE ARE THE LORD GOD AND THERE IS NO OTHER!

Psalm 73:26 "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Hi Everyone,

Isn't it just so awesome that no matter what God is the one who strengthens us in the deepest places and that He will be more than enough as our portion forever? HIS STRENGTH is inexhaustible and He will always be who TRULY SATISFIES us regardless of what is going on around us.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

My life is a life worth living. Not a life to be hated and despised, but a life worth living to the fullest and to God's glory.....a life I would NOW not trade in for anyone else's in the world--that I used to want to trade in if I would have but had the chance.

THIS life is my very own--a life worth living--and I absolutely love it about 95% of the time. Lord, without You, where would I be? I think I know that answer, but because of You I am here for the sake of the glory of Your Precious Name.

A LIFE LIVED IN TRUTH----Your constant unchannging truth that is a solid Rock and refuge for me.

A LIFE LIVED IN YOUR LOVE----because in love, YOU found me! A life lived out of an overflowing heart of love simply because YOUR LOVE has filled me to overflowing. And that is what i am taking to the world every day--YOUR unending love!

A LIFE OF HOPE----the greatest gift of HOPE in JESUS----for I once had absolutely none.

A LIFE OF PEACE----Peace with YOU and peace with myself...peace with the desperate one that I used to be. Oh, I am still desperate. I am desperate---but for YOU----I need YOU every moment, but it's a different kind of desperation. Desperation in Unending Hope---oxymoron?? I don't think so!

A LIFE OF TRUST---because YOU are worthy of my trust and total dependence--and this is apart from my circumstances. TRUST because no matter what, YOU are totally forever worthy of it and NOTHING will ever change that!

A LIFE OF SERVICE----service to YOU in humble obedience because my greatest delight is obeying YOU and nothing will ever delight me more than that, regardless of my location.

A LIFE OF JOY---joy unaffected by circumstances--JOY IN YOU!!

A LIFE OF TRUTH---YOU ARE THE TRUTH! YOU ARE IN MR----AND I AM IN YOU!

A LIFE OF HONESTY---I like it much better this way---THIS is how it is suppose to be! What You see IS WHAT YOU GET!!!!

A LIFE---intentionally and perfectly orchestrated by the LORD-all along--for HIS GLORY!

YEP! THIS is my life-a life I will never trade in for anyone else's and I am actualy honestly glad that isn't even possibl;e!

CHRIST LIFE----Christ is in me and HE IS my life!

CHRIST LIFE---simply a little tool that God has used to change my life.

It is a good thing to have to slow down once in awhile....to rest..to be still......to just be quiet and allow the Spirit of God to work and show You what He longs to.

I've been thinking about how in the Lord's Prayer, Jesus prayed, "your kingdom come,your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10)

I guess I have been thinking about His Will being done in Heaven and here on earth--and just pondering the amazing God we serve and what that completely LOOKS like that His will is being done on earth as it (already) IS in heaven.

I don't quite know how to describe everything I am pondering but it is amazing to consider......God's WILL and HIS PLAN is so incredible and HIS ways are so much higher than we can ever imagine!

I had to have a small outpatient surgery today.....I feel really out of it and "not so great right now." Don't worry though--I am must surely be on the road to healing. We are so blessed in my country to have the medical care, research, and ability to correct things, that we do. I had an AMAZING nurse this morning the whole way through-I couldn't have asked for a better one!

But in my waking moments, even after coming out of anesthesia at the hospital, one thought has seemed to consume me above the discomfort of the present.

The thought is: Isn't it absolutely amazing How God has chosen so CLEARLY in His Word to communicate to us--first beginning with Israel and then preserving the entirety of His Word so that we could have it revealed to us? I mean with Israel, He told them exactly what they needed to know, and not just about HIMSELF, But about life----and how they were to live so that they would be a people set apart--to Himself.

We, as the body of Christ are also set apart--grafted in to the praise of His glory! It is awesome truth that we shouldn't just "blow off" or "take lightly." May we NEVER lose the wonder and joy of the great gifts that God has given to us. through His Word, Through Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, and gift of eternal salvation for those of us who have given Him our trust, and for those that He is yet calling to Himself--that they might become children of God!

Galatians 3:15-16 "Brothers and sisters, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ.

Hebrews 1:1-3 "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

I hope this makes sense----being under the effects of anesthesia make thinking more challenging.

It's a little early to be writing a blog post, but I want to be sure to get one in for the day. I might write one later, but I will just have to see how the day goes.

When I wake up in the morning THIS is the thought that comes to my head with assurance and great delight! "God loves me! I am His forever and I know it!" This morning is no exception!It is so totally incredible to have the Lord as your foundation and unchanging Rock----and better yet to know that You trust Him!

Psalm 5:11 "But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you."

Psalm 18:30 "As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him."

Just reminding myself of God's truth this morning--never know when I will need it!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

It is so important that we do not take comfort in the lies that we believe....someti8mes it is so easy to believe what we are familiar with----and it may not be the truth as God define it! We must instead take refuge in the TRUTH of God's Word!

We aren't Israel as the church, but look at how God spoke to them.

Isaiah 28:15-16 "You boast, 'We have entered into a covenant with death, with the realm of the dead we have made an agreement. When an overwhelming scourge sweeps by,it cannot touch us, for we have made a lie our refuge and falsehood our hiding place.' So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic."

Let's be sure that we are not allowing lies and falsehood to be our refuge------because Jesus Christ and His Word is the TRUTH that matters---and that is what we must uphold no matter what! Jesus Christ is our sure foundation and there is no other!

Now to most of you this means absolutely nothing----but to my Mexico team it means the world--well not quite the world--but it is a game piece from Mexican train--the game we all play together at conference and stuff.....it's a team thing! seeing this piece brought back all kinds of awesome memories and emotions! I am so encouraged.....by a little piece of plastic! (maybe I sound crazy!)

OK, How did I end up with it in the first place?

Well, when I went to conference in August I brought several items to the team. One was a bag of Mexican Train pieces 70 to be exact.....except I think Ivy is accidentally missing one of them!

Ivy, I believe this piece belongs to you! Would you like to come up and get it, or shall I just bring it down to you when I come?? (Just Kidding--you know I will bring it down for you!!)

And get ready to play some Mexican Train everyone----well hopefully soon!

How desperately I need You! I want to want what You want for me. Make Your desires for me my very own and don't let me be satisfied with wanting anything less than what You want for me....Help me to trust You in the things that may seem so very good, and yet they aren't what You have for me at least at this time. I am here to do Your will---no matter what that costs me!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

So many times we think that when we get to "x" name a situation---we will be satisfied, but the TRUTH is that God has promised us abundant life and enjoyment in Him where we are RIGHT NOW--the joy of fellowship with HIM.

If we focus on the "When I's" of the future, we miss out on what God has for us today!

I have to remind myself of this often.....especially when there are issues of personal continual surrender. But God understands. It's OK to acknowledge the sadness, grief, or whatever you are feeling before Him--He knows our hearts even better than we do......and HIS plan is perfect! We DON'T want bitterness to grow in our hearts towards God or others!

Thank you Lord for all that YOU have planned for me in THIS DAY! May I live it to the fullest with YOU working in and through me------and leave my every dream and desire in YOUR hands.

I am renewing my passport-(An important step in the process for returning to Mexico whenever God gives that opportunity) I just got the photos taken today! They look like this:

I kind of like it--except the hair is slightly messy due to the fact that I was out and about walking all over beforehand!! (Anything beats those state-issued driver or non-driver ID's where we can't hardly smile anymore and look really scary!!!)

I am excited about this new chapter and all that God is going to do in it. Serving God is not about location----it's about serving Him wherever we are placed and being "all for Him" there in that moment!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

I had a neat day today. There were several errands to run. But it was awesome because God literally had me in the right places at the right times.

First I ran into a dear friend as I was walking through the mall on my way to do something else. We seriously had not talked all Summer so even those ten minutes were a huge blessing!

Then, in the processes of renewing my state identification, I ran into a mother and her daughter from church, who were also waiting their turn to take care of what they needed to. I had been wanting to get together with them for quite some time...so we had about fifteen minutes to chat together....and get caught up a little.

God is awesome! I don't believe it had anything to do with what they call chance or anything like that.

God is more than able to have us at the RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME.......and THAT encourages me so much....because right now, in a different situation, I am having to wait on Him----But in HIS TIME, I will be at the RIGHT PLACE that HE wants me to be at!

Make us slow to respond-----slow to think through how will respond (Before we actually do so) and the impression that our responses give of You to the world around us.

But make us also very quick to respond----quick to respond to Your Spirit prompting us as He indwells us....quick to do what pleases you, and quick to turn away from our selfishness, pride, and sins of all kinds.....

So that the world sees you reflecting as a mirror through us and that they see You in ho we respond.

Monday, November 1, 2010

2 Corinthians 12:1-10 "I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows—was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Isn't it amazing that when we are weak, IN CHRIST we are strong? I love that!

At the same time of we flip that statement by saying that When we are strong (strong meaning that we are depending upon ourselves and our flesh instead of CHRIST, we are weak.

Apart from Him we can do nothing! Lord, make that reality even root deeper in our minds, hearts, and lives today.....so that we NEVER forget our dependence upon You. May Your strength be ever evodent in our weakness so that YOU are glorified.

Not only do we have a perfect mediator, through Jesus Christ, but we also have a perfect intercessor through the Holy Spirit when we don't know what to pray. Check this out!

Roams 8:26-27 "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for usthrough wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God."

Think about that! Isn't it absolutely amazing? The Spirit KNOWS the will of God and prays according to that! Wow! Talk about taking off the pressure when you are thinking, "God, I have no clue how to ray about this!"

This is reality for us! It isn't some "pie in the sky mystical thing that "sounds good."

Think about that when you are having a hard day....seriously! Absolutely awesome and amazing!

Current Prayer Requests

Prayer Requests for January to April 2014

1) Pray for Carina who arrives in February as a short-term worker. Pray that the details for her ministry schedule would come together and that we would be a mutual blessing to one another..2) Pray for our team conference to be held March 10th-13th. Pray for good times of discussion, decision making and enriching fellowship as a team.

3) Pray for the details of my furlough June to October.

4) Pray for Conchita and for her continual encouragement.

Thank you so very much for your prayers! May the Lord bless you all!

If You Think This Blog Would Help Someone Else.....

Dear readers,If you think my blog would help someone else that you know, either as a means of sharing the gospel, (please share with them too though...don't "count on me!"---it's God's work anyways to save them!) making someone think, or encouraging them, please feel free and know you have my permission to copy the link and send it to them. I realize there may be some eventual "flack" for some things posted, but that is OK...it is a small price to pay if God chooses to use this all to bring one more person to Himself. Thank you for reading and thank you for your prayers! IT ISN'T ABOUT "MY GLORY"----IT IS ALL ABOUT GOD GETTING THE GLORY HE DESERVES.

Contacting me

If you have questions and are NOT one of my personal friends that knows my personal contact information, but would like to contact me, you may do so at crystalsministryupdates@gmail.com

Please note this e-mail may only be checked once or twice a week at most, but I will do my best to get back to you as soon as I am able, and WANT TO do so.

Please also understand that I DO NOT have all the answers, I am growing in my relationship with Jesus Christ, my Savior, but am willing to help, as God enables me, if you would like.

AGAIN PERSONAL FRIENDS AND CONTACTS, please use my personal e-mail and not this one. Thank you so very much!